Several ferret folks have expressed the attitude that ECE is unavoidable
down in the DC area.  This is not true.  There are a lot of older Marshall
Farms and a few older Path valley ferrets down here who have not been
exposed.  We for one would like to keep the exposures to a minimum.
 
The more responsible attitude would be to avoid needlessly endangering
ferrets.  Unfortunately that means curtailing ferret activities while you
have sick ferrets and for a while after they get better.  Although Dr.
Williams hasn't ascertained how long that time is being sensible you
would let those ferrets exposed to ECE not further infect the general
population.
 
Some of what I'm saying here will get in in deep trouble with certain
politicos (who often claim to be non-political).  Certain groups that
carry on long and loud about the evils done by others now seem to be
saying that their own misdeeds are not evil.
 
I would no more purposely expose my ferrets to a disease than I would my
infant (Derek 4 mos.).  If I know that someother child has measles I
would keep my child away.  Yes Measles don't normally kill anymore but why
inflict disease and pain on my child.  Respect your ferrets as much as
you would your own children.
 
In Rudy's case I'm not sure that the breeder was necessarily responsible
as the exposure could have come any where in between here and there.
Not knowing who that person was I can't say for sure whether the breeder
has been exposed or not.  Likely to be exposed since ECE is much too
common down here.  Why don't we try to reduce how common it is through
intelligence rather than spread it through ignorance.
 
There have been problems with fertility and birthing down this way.  Some
of us wonder of ECE is part of the problem.  There are quite a few other
ideas as well.  My breeding line has not been exposed to active ECE that I
know.  I'm going to keep it that way if I can.  We have none of the
breeding problems experienced by others - our problems (if you call it a
problem) is that we have no problems breeding and never have the 'good'
fortune to not have kits (we do use a vasectomized hob - I thing in England
they are called 'hobbles' so we don't have litters from all our jills.)
 
No name calling intended.  If you see what I've written as insulting to
you then perhaps you are sensitive to what I mean.
 
[Moderator's note: Rather an inflamatory remark, I think, considering
your stated "no name calling" stance.  Can we please get off the trend
of expecting everything to start a flame war and talk fuzzies instead of
politics?  BIG]
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
[Posted in FML issue 1248]